US businessman Matthew Mellon has been acquitted of paying private detectives to hack into his ex-wife's computer during their divorce.

Mr Mellon, the heir to a $4bn oil and banking fortune, was cleared at Southwark Crown Court of one count of conspiracy to modify computer material.

His former wife Tamara is the founder of the Jimmy Choo brand of shoes.

Mr Mellon's QC had argued his client had not encouraged any illegality by Active Investigation Services (AIS).

Outside court Mr Mellon said: "I am relieved it is all over."

The two men who ran AIS, were convicted of a number of charges.

Tamara Mellon said in court Matthew was still her "best friend"

Former policeman Scott Gelsthorpe, 32, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, was convicted of two conspiracy counts involving the unauthorised modification charge, and one of conspiring to unlawfully intercept computer material.

His partner, Jeremy Young, another former Metropolitan Police officer, admitted a total of 15 conspiracy charges before the trial.